Legislator meets with faculty, wants CU to set own weapons policy

By Brittany Anas Camera Staff Writer

Posted:
09/21/2012 08:55:52 PM MDT

Updated:
09/21/2012 09:16:12 PM MDT

State Rep. Claire Levy, D-Boulder, told faculty members at the University of Colorado on Friday that she plans to introduce legislation in the upcoming session that would allow the university to set its own weapons policy.

If passed, it would give CU power to reinstate a gun ban on its campuses.

Levy said she doesn't want to set off a partisan and emotional debate in the Legislature over the Second Amendment -- something she said could possibly be avoided if she writes her bill to focus on local authority and giving universities the power to set their own gun rules.

"If the issue devolves into a pro-gun or anti-gun argument, I think it's going to be hard to pass that kind of bill," Levy said. "It really needs to be a question of local control."

She held a forum at CU to hear from faculty members concerned that concealed-weapon permit holders are now allowed to bring guns into the classroom, and she shared her legislative strategy that aims to give CU the power once again to set its own weapons policies.

Levy said she plans to meet with university officials Tuesday.

The state Supreme Court in March struck down CU's long-standing gun ban, ruling in favor of a gun-rights student group. Since then, the university has ironed out rules for guns on campus, and the regents earlier this month approved a new gun policy that allows them most everywhere.

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Guns are banned from ticketed events such as sports games and concerts, and they are not allowed in the dorms. CU will allow those with concealed-weapon permits to live in a limited number of standalone family housing cottages and some units in Athens North. The restrictions are allowed because of contractual agreements that CU makes with those who purchase tickets to events and the students who live in dorms.

Borrowing the same logic, Claire Farago, a professor in the art and art history department, suggested that an admissions offer and enrollment to CU should also be considered a contract, with rules banning students from bringing guns to campus.

Levy said she personally believes guns should not be allowed on campus because they could be stolen if not properly stored; she's concerned about suicide risks among young adults; and the party atmosphere on college campuses isn't a safe environment for guns.

But the bill that would most likely resonate with her colleagues at the state Legislature is one of local control, as there seems to be more consensus surrounding the idea that state law shouldn't stand in the way of school boards, regents and city councils when it comes to local issues.

"There's a broad sentiment (in the Legislature) against general state control over things that could be decided at a local level," Levy said.

But even if the regents are allowed to set their own gun policy, it's uncertain whether the Republican-controlled board would vote to reinstate a gun ban.

The fall election will reshape the nine-member board, and Regent Tillie Bishop, R-Grand Junction, will no longer be serving. He cast the critical vote that the Democrats needed in June 2010 to continue a legal battle in an attempt to keep guns off CU campuses.

Nationwide, Levy said, 24 states leave it up to colleges to set gun policies. Twenty-one states ban guns on college campuses. And five states -- Colorado, Utah, Mississippi, Oregon and Wisconsin -- allow those with concealed-weapon permits to bring guns onto college campuses, Levy said.

No faculty members at the forum Friday spoke in favor of guns being allowed on campuses.

Susan Kent, chairwoman of CU's history department, suggested that faculty members begin a petition to support Levy's proposal.

CU system spokesman Ken McConnellogue said the university appreciates Levy's interest and willingness to meet with faculty members. At this point, the regents nor administrators have talked formally with Levy on the issue.

"The board and administration would consider her proposal, as they consider all proposed legislation affecting the university," McConnellogue said.

Professor Bob Ferry and Susan Kent, chairwoman of the history department at the University of Colorado, listen Friday to State Rep. Claire Levy during a discussion of concealed weapons on campus. Levy wants to give CU the legal authority to reinstate its gun ban.
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